Health and Safety in Bolivia

An extra precaution on hygiene in Bolivia: a number of diseases are transmitted by pork (tapeworms, trichinosis, etc.).. Avoid what is fricassees, sandwiches and chola chicharrones, and Chuletas pork meat if you do not seem undercooked. Pork said chancho, cerdo or cuchi.

Dangers and annoy

Despite its reputation as a "land of coups," Bolivia, which also displays 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, can boast of being one of the safest countries on the continent. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in petty crime, with situations and methods that are reminiscent of those of Peru.

Travellers should be well informed to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on traffic conditions in Bolivia.

Excursions

This is because it is very easy to become isolated or in endless stretches of virgin forests that one must be careful because the backup in case of accidents are rare. The first recommendation is elementary: do not go alone. Hiring the services of a travel agency. If you go in the Salar, South Lipez, Amazonian national parks or in places very remote, better check that the agency is also equipped with a radio.

The second recommendation is the same ilk: it is advisable for backpackers traveling in more remote areas (Beni, South Lipez ...), with communication restricted to phone the embassy before departure, to communicate its route and leave the details of the persons to contact in case of problems.

The mountain deserves special attention: trekking the Inca Trail (in the Yungas), let alone the mountaineering, require a minimum of experience, good physical condition, an adaptation to altitude (more than 3000 m) at least 1 week and of course good equipment. Do not underestimate the peaks and Bolivian remembers that the dry season (May-October) is the only recommended if you go for the first time. From the forest also requires special precautions.

Scams

Various schemes and scams have unfortunately developed. The places where we must be vigilant: Copacabana, La Paz, the borders with Peru and Brazil. Beware of pickpockets in the bus terminals and railway stations (woe to him who gives up her bag, if only a few seconds) and false Interpol agents in civilian clothes who ask papers and vaccination certificates, then searching your bags and pockets. Always ask them to present their books and do not hesitate to call a policeman in uniform.
Backpackers who are not accustomed to travel in Latin America avoid venturing into the villages where there is the "gold fever" Tipuani, Mapiri and other located between the departments of La Paz and Beni.

Socio-economic instability

From time to time, bloqueos (roadblocks), paros indefinidos (work stoppages) and other huelgas (strikes) paralyze a city or an entire region of the country. In recent years it has become more common, especially during election periods, to the point of disturbing affect on tourism. For 2 or 3 days or more, the whole economy of the region which may be suspended.

These social movements are often advertised at least one week in advance. But with the rise of tensions since the election of Evo Morales in December 2005, the disturbances become unpredictable and significantly worse than normal children. If you ever find yourself stuck, you should just take it out or your courage to walk to bus or taxi a few miles of blocked entries cities. Or try to catch a plane (air travel are often spared).

Note also that the region of Chapare (Cochabamba) is set to become a permanent source of violence between coca growers and the armed forces, due to excess plantations of coca leaves, as well as Santa Cruz and Tajira, rich cities plains that are home to most protest movements for regional autonomy.

Accommodation in Bolivia

  

There are many cheap hotels, if we accept a minimum of comfort. It is still better to sleep in his sleeping bag on the bed or in his sleeping bag in the tropics. Although these addresses are often very clean, furniture is usually outdated or dilapidated, lived well mattresses and sheets are nickel but a little thin ... Remember to bring a pair of flip flops or plastic sandals, always practical when making use of shared bathrooms.

Pensions (or residential) are interesting because they offer discounted prices when you stay several days. There are taxes (usually included in small hotels).

The cheapest hotels are called Alojamientos. The breakfast is rarely included in the price.

There are more and more boutique hotels in price quite reasonable. These hotels, the category "average prices" have the advantage of combining a certain comfort, original decoration, an owner's commitment to quality care and often a central location.
In this category of hotels, called Hostal, the city of Sucre won the best score, followed by La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Of course, in places like Coroico, Sorata, the Jesuit missions, there are also hotels that will appeal to backpackers. Even the cold city of Uyuni is one now.

Lovers of big hotels with marble bar, pool and beautiful hostesses at the reception will be interested in La Paz, Cochabamba and especially in Santa Cruz.